Welshpool plane crash: aircraft’s Permit To Fly ‘expired’
The X’Air Jabiru(1), G-HITM took off shortly before 7pm on June 13 but lost power at approximately 50ft before crashing into the ground close the A458 at Cyfronydd.
A major response was launched by emergency services with the 68-year-old unnamed pilot and their passenger both taken to hospital with what were described as “serious injuries”.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) report has been published and states that the “cause of the power loss was not determined. The AAIB noted that the aircraft’s Permit To Fly was not valid at the time of the accident.
What the report states:
The pilot reported that the accident occurred shortly after take-off from a private grass airstrip, described as firm and dry. Weather conditions were reported as CAVOK (Ceiling and Visibility OK) with scattered clouds and a temperature of 20°C. Weather recordings in the area indicated temperatures at that time of approximately 24°C with a dew point of 8°C and a north-easterly wind of about 3 kt gusting 10 kt.
The pilot stated that external and power checks were satisfactory prior to the flight. However, the engine lost power at an estimated height of 50 ft agl after takeoff and the aircraft struck the ground. The attending emergency services advised that the aircraft came to rest on the driveway to a farm. Both the pilot and passenger, who were wearing full harnesses, suffered serious injuries.
The pilot did not provide further information as to a possible cause of the loss of engine power. The AAIB noted that the aircraft’s Permit To Fly was not valid at the time of the accident and had expired in May 2022.
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